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Genting Dream sails to Surabaya and Bali

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 December 2022: Resorts World Cruises celebrated a new milestone on Tuesday as Genting Dream, with over 3,500 passengers on board, completed the brand’s maiden voyage to Surabaya.

The cruise ship sailed from its dual homeports of Singapore and Malaysia (via Port Klang). In addition to Surabaya, the ship also visited North Bali on Wednesday as part of Resorts World Cruises’ special Indonesia cruise itinerary to celebrate the festive season.

“Resorts World Cruises is excited to include both Surabaya and North Bali as destinations for this special Indonesia cruise from our homeports. Indonesia remains an important cruise market with huge potential both as a destination and source market for the FlyCruise sector,” said Resorts World Cruises president Michael Goh.

During the ship’s visit to Surabaya, guests visited famous landmarks such as the Four Faced Buddha monument, the biggest and tallest Four Faces Deity statue in Indonesia and the spectacular view of Putuk Truno Waterfall or Mount Penanggugan in Tretes.

The maiden cruise continued to North Bali, where guests explored the Kekeran Rice Terrace, the protected sanctuary of Plataran Menjangan Resort Bali and West Bali, offering a diving option in the pristine waters off Menjangan Island.

Travellers from Indonesia can also explore the various FlyCruise options to Singapore or Malaysia to embark on a series of two-night and three-night cruises to popular destinations such as Penang, Phuket and Kuala Lumpur.

UNWTO names Best Tourism Villages

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 December 2022: From Austria to Vietnam, 32 destinations worldwide have been named ‘Best Tourism Villages 2022’ by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Asia was represented by two villages in China and one each in the Republic of Korea and Vietnam.

Photo Credit: UNWTO. 2022 Best Tourism Villages list; Thái Hải, Vietnam.

The accolade recognises rural destinations embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income while preserving and promoting community-based values and products.

The initiative also recognises villages for their commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental – and a focus on developing tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2022, 32 villages from 18 countries across the five world regions were awarded the recognition.

The villages were evaluated by an independent advisory board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas:

1.    Cultural and Natural Resources

2.    Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources

3.    Economic Sustainability

4.    Social Sustainability

5.    Environmental Sustainability

6.    Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration

7.    Governance and Prioritisation of Tourism

8.    Infrastructure and Connectivity

9.    Health, Safety, and Security

List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2022
  • Zell am See, Austria
  • Wagrain, Austria
  • Puqueldón, Chile
  • Dazhai, China
  • Jingzhu, China
  • Choachí, Colombia
  • Aguarico, Ecuador
  • Angochagua, Ecuador
  • Choke Mountains Ecovillage, Ethiopia
  • Mestia, Georgia
  • Kfar Kama, Israel
  • Sauris-Zahre, Italy
  • Isola del Giglio, Italy
  • Umm Qais, Jordan
  • Creel, Mexico
  • El Fuerte, Mexico
  • Ksar Elkhorbat, Morocco
  • Moulay Bouzerktoune, Morocco
  • Lamas, Peru
  • Raqchi, Peru
  • Castelo Novo, Portugal
  • Pyeongsa-ri, Republic of Korea
  • Rasinari, Romania
  • AlUla Old Town, Saudi Arabia
  • Bohinj, Slovenia
  • Rupit, Spain
  • Alquézar, Spain
  • Guadalupe, Spain
  • Murten, Switzerland
  • Andermatt, Switzerland
  • Birgi, Türkiye
  • Thái Hải, Vietnam

Three-pillar initiative

Recognition for community-based values
The accolade recognises villages that are outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products, and lifestyles and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Upgrade Programme
The Upgrade Programme benefits villages that do not fully meet the criteria to receive recognition. These villages receive support from UNWTO and its partners to improve elements identified as gaps in the evaluation process.

UNWTO’s Global Network
The network provides a space for exchanging experiences, good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It includes experts and public and private sector partners engaged in promoting tourism for rural development.

Thai AirAsia plots path to full recovery

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 22 December 2022: Thai AirAsia estimates it will close the year with 10 million passengers flown, backed by the strong demand for domestic and international travel, especially in the fourth quarter.

The airline experienced its highest post-Covid aircraft utilisation rate of 12 hours in November, while the average load factor for the year could be as high as 81%  with an on-time performance of 90%.

Confident tourism and aviation will fully recover in 2023; Thai AirAsia readies to return to near pre-Covid-19  operational levels based on robust domestic traffic and signs indicating a steady recovery of the international market. However, a question mark hangs over China which has still to reopen its skies fully and allow outbound leisure travel without any restrictions. There is considerable optimism China will ease outbound travel rules during the first quarter of 2023.

AirAsia Thailand chief executive officer Santisuk Klongchaiya said: “We predict the tourism industry in 2023 will return to conditions before the Covid-19 pandemic in line with a Tourism Authority of Thailand’s evaluation that 18 to 30 million tourists will visit Thailand next year.”

He claimed the Chinese government may scale back travel limitations during the first quarter of 2023 and consider a quota for inbound flights. It should present a positive opportunity for Thailand’s tourism.

“Thai AirAsia is ready to immediately serve flights to China with our large fleet of 53 aircraft…  We expect to carry 20 million guests next year, double that of this year’s 10 million and a huge jump from 2.9 million in 2021.”

In 2023, the airline plans more routes to high-potential markets such as Nepal and Pakistan. It will add more cities in India to its network and forecasts no less than 90% pre-Covid-19 capacity.

Centara extends Pattaya contracts

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 21 December 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the signing of hotel management agreement extensions on resort properties in Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.

Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts, Rony Fineman, owner of Centara Pattaya Hotel and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya, and Lon Ballard, owner of Centara Pattaya Hotel, signed off on agreements to continue managing the properties for five more years.

Located in the heart of central Pattaya, a short walk from shopping, restaurants and the famed Pattaya Beach, Centara Pattaya Hotel provides a haven of relaxation amid all the action. Guests have access to a sparkling outdoor pool, two bars, an all-day dining venue and a rejuvenating spa. With various guest rooms, including family-friendly studios, spacious suites, and multifunctional meeting spaces, this hotel offers convenience and comfort during every stay.

Ideal for families and couples, Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya, offers 79 tastefully designed and well-appointed rooms and suites, each with a furnished balcony overlooking the pool, complete with a swim-up bar, terrace, jacuzzi and children’s pool. The hotel also features an all-day dining venue, a pool bar, the award-winning SPA Cenvaree and modern meeting spaces. Just minutes away from sprawling Pattaya Beach, this hotel’s central location means local attractions, shopping, food, golf and water sports are always within easy reach.

Both Centara Hotel Pattaya and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya are only a 90-minute drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

For information on Centara Pattaya Hotel, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cpy

For information on Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/nvp

(Your Stories: Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Emirates goes four daily to Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 21 December 2022: Emirates will starts the new year in Thailand by adding a fourth flight between Bangkok and Dubai from 1 January 2023.

The additional flight will boost connectivity between the two gateways and provide more options for travellers. It will also help serve the increased demand for international travel to and from Bangkok as Thailand’s tourism sector embarks on the path to recovery.

The additional Emirates flight will use the airline’s flagship Airbus A380. Emirates’ flight EK374 featuring a three-class configuration, will depart Dubai at 2235h, arriving in Bangkok at 0735 the following day. Emirates’ return flight EK377 with a two-class configuration – will leave Bangkok at 0200, arriving in Dubai at 0600. All times are local. *

With 28 weekly flights to Bangkok and 14 weekly flights to Phuket, Emirates offers travellers flexible connections between Thailand and Dubai and onward to 130 destinations across six continents. Emirates also operates a daily direct flight to Hong Kong from Bangkok.

Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents or through online travel agents.

The Emirates A380 experience remains highly sought after by travellers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and signature products that offer the best experiences in the sky, like the Onboard Lounge, First Class suites and Shower Spa. The A380 experience is always rounded off by award-winning hospitality, regional culinary creations and authentic tastes, and the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, with more than 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment at every customer’s fingertips.

In addition, Emirates customers flying to or through Dubai until 31 March 2023 can take advantage of the ‘My Emirates Winter Pass’, which enables customers to unlock exclusive offers at over 500 locations in the UAE. They must show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to access hundreds of retail, leisure and dining outlets, famous attractions and luxury spas to enjoy fantastic discounts throughout Dubai and the UAE.

(Your Stories: Emirates).

Agoda rolls out Price Freeze

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE 21 December 2022: Agoda will introduce a new ‘Price Freeze’ feature on its desktop and mobile web platforms by early 2023.

It involves a collaboration agreement with Hopper Cloud and is part of Agoda’s ongoing efforts to provide travellers with more choice, flexibility, and better pricing options.

Agoda users gain a price freeze on accommodation before confirming the booking. The feature allows travellers to search properties on the travel platform and freeze’ prices for a marginal deposit. 

The price is ‘locked in’ for a price freeze period of at least one day and up to 14 days, during which the consumer can continue with the booking.

Throughout the price freeze, accommodation costs may fluctuate, but consumers won’t pay any more than the agreed deal and will enjoy additional savings should help the price drop. If travellers choose not to book within the specified price freeze period, their initial deposit is forfeited.

“There are times when consumers aren’t ready to fully commit to their purchase and need time to decide… By introducing price freeze technology to the Agoda platform, we can offer travellers even greater flexibility, choice and the best prices. Great news for them, and great business for our accommodation partners through increased productivity and conversion”, said Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern.

“Technology in the travel space is exciting and challenging. Every day we are collaborating and exploring new ways that technology can make travel more accessible to benefit our accommodation, flights and activities partners, as well as consumers. Partnerships, like this with Hopper Cloud, allow us to learn and share ideas and collectively add value to the travel sector as a whole,” Morgenshtern continued.

Hopper first launched Hopper Cloud, its B2B initiative, in early 2021.

Agoda users can tap the “Freeze Price” button on an accommodation listing, follow the booking flow to pay the deposit, and hold the price for the specified price freeze period. In addition, the ‘Freeze a specific room’ allows users to lock in a specific room category, with a choice of bed configuration. Customers tap on “Freeze Price” under each room category to use this function.

Price Freeze is currently being rolled out and is expected to be available on bookings in all participating markets and Agoda platforms by early 2023.

Cathay resumes direct flights to Phuket

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 21 December 2022: Cathay Pacific will resume direct flights from Hong Kong to Phuket on 1 January with four weekly services.

The new Cathay flights are in addition to the four weekly A320 services that Hong Kong Express (Cathay’s low-cost airline) already offers on the Hong Kong – Phuket route. The Hong Kong Express flight departs Hong Kong at 0735 and arrives in Phuket at 1025.

Using its latest A321neo, Cathay Pacific will fly to Phuket on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. CX771 will depart Hong Kong at 0840 and arrive in Phuket at 1125. The return flight CX770 will depart Phuket at 1230 and arrive in Hong Kong at 1700. Flight time on the route is around three hours and 45 minutes.

The starting fare (roundtrip) is around HKD4,855.

Earlier this month, the airline introduced its newest Airbus A321neo on the Hong Kong – Bangkok route. It features Cathay Pacific’s newly designed regional business class seat and 4K ultra-high-definition inflight entertainment screens on every seat across all cabins.

Incentive travel returns to Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 21 December 2022: Regional inbound travel company, Phoenix Voyages, reports the return of business event travel to South Korea and Vietnam.

The company’s Meetings Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) department handled an incentive group of 60 passengers to South Korea from Europe last week, noting that South Korea is emerging as an incentive group destination in the key European source markets for business events.

“Our team arranged professional visits linked to the group’s business expertise and organised their gala dinners. The trip also included visiting famous landmarks, including the Hwaseong Fortress (Suwon, capital of Gyeonggi-do), the Folk Village, and Namdaemun Market (Seoul), as well as the famous Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).”

A similar picture emerged for Phoenix Voyages in Vietnam with the recent hosting of a group of 126 French people on an incentive trip from 11 to 18 November.

The group travelled through various regions of the country, including Hanoi, Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh, Halong, and Hoi An in central Vietnam.

Phoenix Voyages organised a welcome dinner in Hanoi and a gala dinner at an exclusive beach resort in Halong Bay. A farewell dinner was held at a private village in Hoi An.

The company call it a positive start on the road to recovery and an encouraging trend because incentives usually take more time to recover than the leisure travel segment.

Bangkok wins ICCA 2023 bid

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 21 December 2022: The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will host its 62nd annual congress in Bangkok from 12 to 15 November 2023 with an expected 1,000 attendances.

Established in 1963, ICCA is a global association supporting the international meetings industry, representing public and private sectors from 91 countries worldwide.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, at the close of ICCA’s inspection trip of the venue and infrastructure in Bangkok between 5 and 9 December.

He noted during the ceremony that the 62nd ICCA Annual Congress 2023 would achieve carbon-neutral status and champion sustainability in the business event hosting segment.

Bangkok’s environmental credentials in the meeting industry were reaffirmed last month when it won the Most Improved Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) 2022 during the 61st ICCA Annual Congress in Poland.

The ICCA Congress 2023 will mark the third time Thailand has hosted the event in Bangkok.

The ICCA Congress 2023 is scheduled for 12 to 15 November 2023. Registration will open in March 2023.

TCEB says the event should attract around 1,000 delegates, comprising 800 foreigners and 200 Thai attendees. It should generate THB85 million in revenue, contribute THB47 million to the gross domestic product (GDP), and create THB2.92 million in tax revenue. The public relations value for Thailand is estimated at THB 300 million.

The event will be held at the recently renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC).

Kuching welcomes the region’s golfers

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 21 December 2022: Kuching in Sarawak attracts golfers from around Asia through promotions that position the state capital as a paradise for golfers. 

The city is home to world-class golf courses, making it a popular choice for golf tours and amateur golf tournaments organised by golf groups in neighbouring countries, particularly Thailand and Singapore.

Golf facilities have been mushrooming across the state and catching the attention of golf tour specialists around Asia.

With one golf course practically at your doorstep just a short commute from the city centre, playing a top-notch golf course is within striking distance of city centre hotels in Kuching.

Damai Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole championship course bordering the foothill of Mount Santubong and hugging the beaches, rocky outcrops and mangrove forests of the South China Sea.

Samarahan Country Club is located next to the University of Malaysia, Sarawak Campus along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, Kota Samarahan and 12 km away from Kuching International Airport. The course layout requires precision and accuracy for players to score well on each hole.

Kelab Golf Sarawak (Sarawak Golf Club) is located approximately 10 km from the centre of Kuching. The main feature of KGS is its 36-hole golf course, the only one in the Land of the Hornbills. Aside from golf, KGS offers a variety of other sporting and recreational opportunities. The club, for example, has an eight-lane Olympic-size swimming pool. The indoor hall is fitted out with badminton and squash courts, and a tennis complex is adjacent to the indoor badminton hall.

Kuching is also noted for its restaurants and open-air street markets lined with food stalls serving local dishes. Siniawan Night Market is the top spot to enjoy delicacies you can only find in Kuching. The well-known Oyster Omelette and Ngoh Hiang is a must-try dish, and you can pair it with a mug of cold beer or even enjoy it with a bowl of rice. Other famous dishes include Kolo Mee, Manok Pansoh (Chicken cooked in bamboo) and the godly Sarawak Laksa, which you can smell from a mile away.

For more information on exploring Kuching visit www.sarawaktourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)

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